Trib Tips

Want to know the best way to remove grease from your carpet, recarbonate flat soda or effortlessly open a stubborn jar? We'll test-drive tips, then share strategies in a reader-friendly format.

Have some household hints or savings secrets of your own you'd like to share? E-mail your suggestions to mhavenga@grandhaventribune.com. Include your name, address and phone number. You may also mail ideas to Trib Tips, 101 N. Third St., Grand Haven, MI 49417; or call 616-847-2628.

A window on the world

You may be spending a lot of time this winter on the inside looking out, so why not take advantage of this weekend's warm forecast to perfect your view?

Don't let summer smudge sit on your glass all season. Straight vinegar in a spray bottle leaves windows super shiny. Just spray and wipe with a crumpled-up ball of newspaper.

Try this little trick: Use vertical strokes when you're washing the outside and horizontal swipes on the inside. That way, if you spot a streak, you'll know exactly where you need to touch up.

We'll talk about an awesome whole-house window-washing method in Trib Tips next spring.

Bananarama

Play monkey-see, monkey-do and do this trick the next time you buy bananas.

Instead of storing them in the cute clump that you bought at the store, tear them apart at the stems and store them individually. Bananas ripen and turn brown faster when they're hooked together, so let them sit solo.

If you aren't ready to use them once they ripen, pop them into a plastic bag, seal and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw, peel and use.

You may also peel and slice them into bite-size chunks before you toss them in a freezer bag. Next time you're making a smoothie, just throw a handful of the frozen fruit into your blender. They work great as a flavorful frozen topping for ice cream sundaes, too.

Savings for soldiers

Let "free"dom ring. Veterans will be honored with freebies and perks on or around Veterans Day. Applebee's, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Little Caesars Pizza, Tim Hortons, Texas Roadhouse and Chili's are among the restaurants offering free meals. Call first to see which day is scheduled for savings.

Veterans can also stay free at many bed-and-breakfasts across the country this weekend, and national parks are waiving entry fees. Visit www.militaryandveterandiscounts.com or military.com/discounts for more savings suggestions.